Phantoms’ losing streak hits three

Staff report

MADISON, Wis.

The Youngstown Phantoms’ hopes of returning to the USHL playoffs took a devastating blow Saturday night when the Madison Capitols won, 5-3.

It was the Phantoms’ third loss in three nights, keeping them nine points behind fourth-place Bloomington (31-17-3-1, 66 points) for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. They have nine games remaining.

The Phantoms (24-18-4-5, 57 points) surrendered three goals in the opening period against the Capitols.

Matt Miller’s seventh goal of the season sliced Madison’s lead to 2-1. The goal was set up by James Winkler and Tommy Apap.

But less than two minutes later, the Capitols’ Marshall Moise beat Phantoms goaltender Colin DeAugustine to restore a two-goal lead.

Youngstown’s Yushiroh Hirano scored the only goal of the second period. Cameron Morrison and Patrick Kramer had the assists.

In the third period, the Capitols responded with two goals to put the game out of reach.

Hirano’s second goal of the game — his 20th — came with DeAugustine pulled for an extra skater during a power play. Alex Esposito had the lone assist.

The Phantoms will try to stop the losing streak with three games next weekend — two in Muskegon, Mich., and one against Team USA in Ann Arbor, Mich.